Mr. Robert Deegan:

A question was asked about the delay in the consultation paper. We extended the consultation period by a month in response to views expressed by advocacy bodies who needed more time to pull together their responses to the consultation. We also got a bigger response rate than we were expecting so it is taking a bit longer. It is being prioritised, however, and we have done our preliminary analysis, a flavour of which we could give to members if that would be helpful.

Senator Mullen asked how much it would cost to replace carers and to put a value on the service they provide. We have not put a value on it but it would be a very big figure. In reality, one can never replace the informal provision of care by the families and friends of people who need it. It would be impossible to fill the void with formalised structures.